Need A Last-Minute Gift? These 7 Beauty Buys Make Perfect Stocking Fillers  

Not to sound trite, but there really is nothing like giving the gift of self-care. Which is why beauty products – in all their cute, compact, caring glory – are a great option for helping to fill your loved one’s stockings this year. Don’t have a stocking, because it’s 2024 and we no longer live in Dickensian times? Well, anyone would be happy to receive one of these soothing treats this December, whether it’s hanging by the fireplace, tucked neatly under the tree or, if we’re honest, added-to-basket in an act of true self-care (AKA self-gifting) this season. Happy shopping...

1. The Brightening Blush

Blush, with added zhush, thanks to a handy two-in-one formula. Not only is Saie’s Multi Use Cream Highlighting Blush richly pigmented, giving an instant flush of colour, the creamy texture also contains micro-pearl particles to add a touch of radiance without obvious flecks of glitter. You don’t have to worry about a shade match, either – each of the five hues works across a wide range of skin tones, for a gift that will suit all. £26, Saie at Cult Beauty 

2. The Mighty Minis

‘Good things come in small packages’ has never been more apt than with Rhode’s new Travel Set – four of its hero skincare products, in mini size. Pop one in each of your friends’ stockings for a Hailey Bieber-approved treat, or gift the full line-up for someone you love to pack for their next getaway. £84, Rhode

3. The Classic Cleanser

Sometimes, you just need a product that does exactly what it’s designed to do. Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is exactly that. No frills, no fuss, just a genuinely great foaming cleanser that’s strong enough to remove grime while being gentle enough for sensitive types. And it leaves skin super soft. One for the skincare obsessives. £17, Cetaphil at Sephora

4. The Sculptural Polish

Brighten up their dressing table with one of Pleasing’s modernist nail polishes. According to the brand, this shade, from its collection with designer JW Anderson, is ‘the pink-red shade of a hopeful heart not quite yet broken’. We say it’s a gorgeous, suits-all pinky hue. Either way, we love it. $20, Pleasing 

5. The Bathtime Upgrade 

Remember when you were younger and you’d be gifted garish scents of glittering, berry-scented bubble bath? Well, this is like that, but better. Dr. Hauschka’s grown-up take on bath boosters comes in the form of its Spruce Warming Bath Essence: a combination of nourishing oils and calming wintry forest scent. The ultimate wind-down treat. £18, Dr. Hauschka 

6. The Tasty Treat

OK, this isn’t technically a beauty product, but it absolutely is an act of self-care. Sometimes, your soul just needs chocolate, and for those occasions, there’s Pump Street. The British chocolate brand is known for its inventive flavours – think Sourdough & Sea Salt or Croissant – and its winter collection is no exception. Pop one of these mini Maple Pecan bars in with your gifts this season and you can’t go wrong. £3, Pump Street 

7. The Makeup Bag Essential

Got a friend who loves to experiment with makeup? They’ll need a good remover. Enter the does-it-all staple in every makeup artist’s bag: micellar water. Garnier’s classic pink-topped bottle comes in a handy mini size – great for stashing in a carry-on, gym kit or toiletry bag. It might not seem like the most glamorous of gifts, but it’s one they will use – and thank you for. £3.15, Garnier at Boots

Olivia McCrea-Hedley is Copy & Production Editor at Service95